The Benefits of Truck Routing Software

Owner-operators know that to make the most money, you need to become an expert at finding the fastest way to get from Point A to Point B. But there’s a lot more to it than that. You might have to plan routes based on road weight limits, overpass heights, toll lanes, and the availability of truck parking — factors that aren’t a concern for most non-commercial travel. That’s where truck routing software can help.

We’ll break down the essential features of truck routing software, additional functionalities that can improve your efficiency, and recommend some of the leading routing apps available today.

What to look for in truck routing software

All routing software relies on GPS for route planning, but routing apps for truck drivers provide additional features, like:   

User-friendly smartphone app

Truck routing software might have a mobile app, but not all include all the features you get with the desktop version. Take a look at how the app works. 

• Is it easy to use? 
• Does it have interactive features like one-click calling? 
• Can you customize your notifications?
  

Make sure you have this info before buying routing software so that you get the features you want and need.

Real-time updates

Routing software should be able to reconfigure routes based on traffic conditions, weather, and last-minute delivery instructions. 

For example, if the delivery destination experiences an emergency and needs to reschedule delivery, you want to know before you waste time driving there. 

Load-finding features

Ideally, your load board will also offer truck routing software for truck drivers. This means that when you use filters to search (truck type, preferred lane, rates, etc.), you can also use routing software to estimate route time. This will help you avoid deadhead by accurately calculating your arrival and when you can pick up your next load. 

Business management tools

Using multiple apps to manage your business can be a pain, but with the right software, you can manage route planning and essential business functions in the same platform. If you’re a solo operator and do your own bookkeeping, look for software that offers invoicing, invoice factoring, and the ability to scan and store documents.   

Truck routing software for 2024

Now let’s take a look at five software platforms that support truck routing.

1. Truckstop

Best for: Carriers who want an all-in-one tool for managing their business

Truckstop is a user-friendly load board that includes Truckstop Go, the mobile app that helps you manage your business on the road. Unlike free load boards, where users can sign up without proving their identity, Truckstop vets all carriers, brokers, and shippers to reduce the risk of fraud.

Route mapping is a standard feature in all three Truckstop pricing options, as is the ability to find loads, see rates, and book instantly. Upgrade to Truckstop Pro for premium features like Truckstop Load Alert Notifications. Just pick your load preferences, save them, and Truckstop will notify you when a new opportunity pops up.  

Key features:

• Real-time rate information
• Broker ratings
• Outbound rates heat map
• Multi-stop route planning
• Estimated fuel costs by load
• Side-by-side load comparison view
• In-app communication

2. Google Maps Platform

Best for: Fleets

A list of truck routing software would be incomplete without Google Maps Platform, but this software is geared more toward fleets than owner-operators. It lets admins track all trucks in a map view and helps with scheduling last-mile delivery. But it doesn’t include any features for finding and booking loads.

Key features:

• Planning for up to 625 different routes 
• Eco-friendly routing options
• Real-time traffic updates

3. RouteManager by Workwave

Best for: Field service management

WorkWave’s RouteManager is designed for field service — lawn care, HVAC service, and food delivery, for example. It’s a good app for companies that need to keep tabs on local employees and optimize ETAs for customers, but it doesn’t have a load board or freight rates. 

Key features:

• Real-time route adjustment
• Easy drag-and-drop interface
• Dispatching features
• Customer notifications

4. PTV Map&Guide

Best for: Large fleets 

PTV Map&Guide helps companies manage fuel efficiency and calculate emissions for fleets, so it’s a good platform for fleets operating in compliant-heavy states like California. It also plans out the timing of all sequences, like arrival, load time duration, departure, rest stops, and more. But this is another software platform that doesn’t offer business management tools for owner-operators.

Key features:

• Tolls included in cost calculation
• Guided navigation
• Real-time map view of trucks

5. TruckMap

Best for: Commercial truck drivers needing detailed route information

TruckMap is similar to Truckstop in that it accounts for truck-specific restrictions in its route plans. It also gives truckers access to freight brokers and shippers. However, this is a free service, which means it’s not as secure as Truckstop. It’s also not available in Canada. 

Key features:

• Detailed truck-specific GPS navigation
• Real-time updates from the driver community
• Information on truck-specific amenities

Get The Best Truck Routing Software Today

Truckstop and TruckstopGo help you manage your business from wherever you are. Find the best rates, book your loads, and plan your routes with just a few clicks on your smartphone screen. Best of all, it’s easy to use and designed specifically for truckers.

See for yourself what Truckstop can do. Just get in touch, and we’ll show you how it works.